Damaged Relaxed Hair? Here’s How to Identify and Restore It
Relaxing hair has been a popular practice for decades, particularly among people with naturally curly or kinky hair.
Its global market was valued at around $ 870 million in 2022, expected to surpass $ 1658 by 2030.
However, this chemical process can have damaging effects on hair health and overall well-being.
In this article, we will explore the science behind relaxed hair damage, how to identify and prevent the damage and discuss some tips to lessen the damage.
Why do relaxers cause damage
Hair relaxers are made up of harsh chemicals that help to straighten the hair.
These chemicals penetrate into the cuticles and the cortex of the hair shaft, which loosens the natural pattern of the curls.
This can lead to damaged relaxed hair, which is concerning for most people.
Signs of damage due to relaxers
If you notice these signs, it might be indicative of damage to the hair.
Following are some signs of damaged relaxed hair.
Burning
Sometimes, when applying a relaxer, you might feel an extreme burning sensation on your scalp, neck, or forehead. If this happens, tell your stylist immediately.
If you are doing the treatment yourself, rinse the relaxer out with lukewarm water.
Unbalanced scalp pH
Strong alkaline substances found in relaxers have the potential to alter the pH balance of your scalp, making it more vulnerable to extreme itchiness and infection.
Your scalp could consequently become dry, itchy, and even flaking.
Sores on the scalp
It is not uncommon to see sores on the scalp post a chemical hair-relaxing treatment.
These generally appear as dry, raised bumps that become red and irritated if not treated.
Inflammation
Relaxers can also cause hair follicle inflammation.
This can lead to thinning of hair and even bald patches in some cases.
Thinning
Since the relaxers are heavy on strong chemicals, it is common to see the hair getting weaker and brittle leading to breakage.
This might make the hair thinner and cause hair loss.
Hair breakage
Frequent or regular use of relaxers can cause your hair to become brittle, weak, and prone to breakage.
You may notice it as more split ends than usual or thinner ponytails.
Dryness
Chemicals in the relaxers can strip your hair of natural oils and moisture.
This is especially true if you already have dry or damaged hair or use chemicals on your hair lot.
How to prevent hair damage from relaxers
If you need to use relaxers on your hair, the least you can do is take care of them before and after the procedure.
Discussed below are some such ways.
Prep your hair
In many cases, the things you do before the process of relaxing your hair determine the amount of damage the process will do to it.
So prepping your hair beforehand by loosening and washing your hair a few days prior to applying the relaxer is an ideal solution.
Protect the scalp
According to the FDA, incorrect usage of hair relaxers can worsen their adverse effects.
It is therefore recommended that you get it done by a professional.
But, if you are doing it yourself, consider applying a generous layer of petroleum jelly before going in with the relaxer.
While applying the relaxer, make sure it does not touch the scalp and cause burns or inflammation.
No lye does not mean no harm
Lye, or sodium hydroxide, is an ingredient many people avoid in hair relaxers because of its corrosive nature.
So make sure you use a no-lye formula to relax your hair. But know that while comparatively safer, it can still cause damage.
The lye in these relaxers is swapped by strong chemicals, generally calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate, to break the bonds on the hair shaft.
Do not double process
By this, we mean avoid coloring and relaxing your hair at the same time.
The combination of chemicals can cause serious damage to the hair, making them brittle and prone to breaking.
Instead, give your hair some time to recover from one process before moving to the other.
Don’t overdo it
Relaxers contain strong chemicals, and hence doing it often can make the hair dry, brittle, and cause damage.
Therefore, it is advised not to do it very often.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your hair relaxing sessions at least two to three months apart so that there is enough new growth to get the treatment safely.
But then it also depends on each individual and their hair. Consult a professional to know the frequency that would be most suitable for your hair.
Hair care routine
Once your hair is relaxed, taking care of them and adding some extra hydration is important.
It refers to creating a routine that ensures proper moisturization of your hair and sticking to it.
Use nourishing shampoos and conditioners and include weekly deep conditioning in your routine.
Make sure you do not use too much heat on your hair on a regular basis, and whenever you do, use a heat protectant beforehand.
Hair care tips
Some general tips that might be helpful in case you have to use relaxers on your hair are given here.
- Give heat styling tools a break
- Get a protein treatment for your hair
- Invest in moisturizing hair care products
- Stop using relaxers if your scalp is sensitive or itchy or you are experiencing excessive hair loss
Takeaway
While relaxing hair can make them more manageable and easier to style, it is important to know of the risks associated with the process.
The harsh chemicals in the relaxers can cause damage to the hair and scalp.
If you are considering relaxing your hair, consider seeking a professional who has experience with this process and can help you avoid damage from relaxed hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my relaxed hair puffy?
Relaxed hair can become puffy for several reasons, such as humidity, insufficient moisture, and product buildup. Chemical processing can also alter the hair’s texture and make it more prone to puffiness. Using anti-humidity products, avoiding harsh chemicals, and keeping the hair moisturized can help to reduce puffiness.
How do you treat relaxed damaged hair?
To treat relaxed damaged hair, trim damaged ends, deep condition, use protein treatments, avoid heat styling, protect hair at night, avoid harsh chemicals, and follow a healthy diet. Consistent care and seeking professional advice can effectively treat and prevent further damage to relaxed hair.
Why is my relaxed hair breaking off?
Hair relaxers have strong and harsh chemicals which make the hair brittle and weak. This causes them to break off easily. It is essential to maintain a healthy hair care routine, protect the scalp, and avoid harsh chemicals to prevent breakage.
Will my hair grow back after relaxer damage?
Yes, hair can grow back after relaxer damage, but the recovery time and regrowth may vary depending on the extent of the damage. Consulting with a hair care professional can also help to assess the damage and develop a recovery plan.
How do I know if my relaxed hair is breaking?
You can tell if your relaxed hair is breaking if you notice a significant amount of hair shedding or if you see shorter hairs around your hairline or in your brush or comb. Other signs include thinning hair, split ends, and a lack of elasticity. A hair care professional can also assess the condition of your hair.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
